GOOD Statement by Shaun August
GOOD National Organiser and Member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament
06 October 2022
The GOOD party in the Western Cape welcomes the decision from the Western Cape Education Department to make available 500 permanent primary school teacher posts in the Grade R phase.
Effective from 1 January 2023, these 500 permanent posts will ensure crucial stability and support for both the children and teachers in this grade. It will further expand the reach of the WCED and ensure that no child is left behind.
Education in South Africa is in crisis and this province is not exempt from this. Early education and the foundation phase form the cornerstone for any child’s academic journey and plays an important part to determine the role that the child will play in society.
Our teachers in particular play such an important role not only in the provincial education system, but also in addressing social challenges faced by many children. The role of a teacher often also takes on the role of advisor, protector or guardian.
Building on this positive step, GOOD calls on the department to expedite the construction of schools and education centres in those districts where there is a great shortage of facilities to accommodate a growing provincial population.
Children are often enrolled in districts outside their residential areas and this results in parents and guardians having to fork out exorbitant amounts to cart them to and from schools.
This decision is a step in the right direction, but urge the WCED to now step up in those areas that has been grossly neglected by the former MEC for Education, Ms. Beverley Schafer.
Media Enquiries:
Shaun August, GOOD National Organiser & Member of Western Cape Provincial Parliament
Cell: 074 746 7378
Email: shauna@forgood.org.za
Janke Tolmay, GOOD: Media Manager
Cell: 0733671223
Email: janke@forgood.org.za